Two Proposals To Help The Homeless

Anyone who wants to implement          either of these proposals is encouraged to do so.  Suggestions for improvement are very welcome.


`Two Proposals to Aid the Homeless to Become Self Sustaining

Proposal A:  A Plan to Aid the Homeless in Getting Employment

         The traditional services for the homeless, i.e. shelters and soup kitchens, are wonderful at keeping people alive.  That has to be the first step taken to help the homeless, and I praise and support those who run them to the best of my ability.  However, the sad truth is that they can’t help them to stop being homeless.  They are, ideally, a stopgap measure.  The only way to enable these people to get off the streets permanently is for them to get jobs.

When asked why they don’t hire homeless people, employers highlighted the following issues:

         1) Communications - The lack of a way to contact them
         2) Hygiene - Either the individual or their clothes being dirty
         3) Inappropriate clothing - ragged or torn, or simply not in keeping with    the position they applying for
         4) Access - They have no way to get to the interview or job

These issues are due to the very fact that they are homeless, and are often totally beyond their ability to control.  I propose that an office be opened that will allow the homeless to correct these problems by offering the following:

         1) A mailing address and phone number where employers can leave messages
         2) A shower so they can clean up before going to interviews
         3) A “Dress for Success” service which will allow them to have use of clothes and cosmetics that  they can wear for interviews and, if needed, wear on the job until they receive their first paycheck.
         4)  Public transport tokens or passes of some kind
         5) Lockers that they can keep their good clothes and personal toiletries or other valuables
         6) Washer and dryer- both for their own clothes and any borrowed clothes

What is needed to implement this plan

1) A location - I would suggest either inside or next to a workforce services office, or near the homeless shelters.
2) Telephone and answering machine or service
3) Interview worthy clothing and cosmetics - may be donated or acquired second hand from thrift stores
4) Tokens or passes
5) Two or three employees
6) Money to pay for ongoing expenses i.e. utilities, water, building maintenance, soap, shampoo, towels, ect.



Proposal 2 - A Comprehensive Bootstrap To Self Sufficiency


I propose that an apartment building be acquired or built that would house homeless individuals or families for a maximum of one year.  During this time their rent would be subsidized.  Management will take and deliver messages from employers.  A day care for children when their parents are working or seeking employment will be provided.  Management will arrange access to classes in literacy and ESL on request.  Priority in assigning apartments will be given to families.  The building would also have the services from Proposal  A incorporated into it for the use of those who do not currently have an apartment.  One apartment per floor will be offered to a police officer at a low rent, provided that they agree to aid the management in enforcing rules and evictions.  The following terms and condition apply:

1) At least one resident of each apartment must be working or actively looking for work
2) No drugs, no violence, no vandalism, no crime.  Alcohol may be permitted, but not getting drunk and disorderly.  Breaking this rule will result in automatic and immediate eviction.  Any evicted tenant will be allowed to return to the apartment to retrieve their belongings only under supervision.  If the commission of a crime is involved, they will be turned over to the police.
3) Management has the right to enter any apartment at any time if they suspect that any of the rules listed above are being broken.  As these apartments are private homes, management is required to knock and wait for an answer before entering under most circumstances.  If no one answers, they may enter at that time.  Management does not have to wait for an answer if there is sufficient cause to believe that violence or a medical emergency is taking place.  Sufficient cause may include, but is not limited to, gunshots, screams, cries for help, and the sound of breaking furniture.
4) Tenants may move out at any time without penalty of any kind, but must give 2 weeks notice.  Maximum residence will be 1 year.
5) Any disputes between tenants must be resolved in a manner that does not endanger tenant's or management’s safety or comfort.  Tenants are entitled to ask management to mediate if desired or needed.  If a tenant does engage in behaviors that endanger others, but are not covered in rule 2, they will receive one warning.  If they persist in the behavior after receiving a warning, they will be evicted.  If the offense does not endanger anyone, but does interfere with their neighbors’ quality of life (e.g. making sufficient noise that it disturbs other tenants), they will receive 3 written warnings.  A forth incident will result in eviction.